Sheep, Serpents, and Doves

Author: Joseph

Date: May 3, 2020

The disciples received these words from Yeshua before they were sent out to proclaim the kingdom of God to Israel: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:11).

Three comparisons were made that are important to the life of the believer that we can apply from this one verse. The first is the idea of being a sheep among wolves. This is a direct comparison of the believer to those among the world who do not believe. While the believer is a gentle, selfless servant and follower of Yeshua (the Shepherd), the non-believer is a self-serving, spiritually dangerous, follower of themselves (or someone else, just as wolves follow an alpha wolf in a wolf pack). The metaphor was not made to simply show a figurative difference. The difference is reality.

Believers and non-believers are as different as sheep are from wolves and the believer needs to be aware of this distinction, lest they put themselves in danger from believing otherwise. Wolves cannot commune or befriend a sheep. A wolf’s sinful instinct is to do harm to the sheep and they can bring them no good (ex. Psalm 109:2-5). They will always exist in hostility to the sheep because they are vastly in opposition to a sheep’s character. Wolves are hunters and survivalists and cannot even comprehend the idea of being reliant on a Shepherd or simply following Him for their needs. Wolves also cannot submit to the Shepherd that leads the sheep; wolves are self-followers and cannot submit to anyone apart from their own.

"...be a selfless follower like a sheep that follows a shepherd."

The disciples were told they would be like sheep sent among wolves because that is exactly how they are in comparison to those who are apart from God. They would have to rely on God solely for their provision, their protection, and their guidance. Unlike the wolf, who was self-determined, their own life would be determined by the Shepherd. If they did not put their faith in the Shepherd as they were among the wolves, they would easily be overtaken. Knowing this, Yeshua provide them with additional advice: to be shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.

How is a serpent shrewd and why were the disciples told to be as shrewd as a serpent? The first time a serpent is mentioned in the Bible is the serpent in Eden (whom we know is Satan) (Genesis. 3:1; cf. Revelation 20:2). Yeshua was not instructing His disciples to be like Satan, rather, to be as shrewd as he was, that is, intelligent and prudent. Satan easily outwitted Havah and Adam with his craftiness, which is something the disciples had to beware. The disciples not only had to be aware of how intelligent their enemies were, but also be similarly prudent when interacting with them. The disciples’ goal was not to avoid the people of the world, but rather, to testify of God’s kingdom to them and have God’s Spirit work repentance in those whom He called to become His own. Without shrewdness, how can a lamb interact with a wolf? The disciples needed to be shrewd in order to be useful for spreading God’s kingdom.

The disciples were also told to be innocent as doves. Doves were considered innocent, even naïve creatures, that did not have harmful intentions (Genesis 8:8-11; cf. Hosea 7:11). The definition of the Greek word used for “innocent” in this passage also implies that the disciples should be “unmixed” or “without a mixture of evil,” (i.e. guiltless, blameless, pure). The disciples could not be doing the good works of the kingdom and at the same time be committing intentional sins that would make their testimony or their own lives impure. As much as they could, they were also to avoid unintentional sins as well. The goal was to be blameless and unable to have anyone bring a legitimate accusation against them. By being blameless, no one could do them harm and be justified. Moreover, they could carry on their ministry of God’s kingdom without hindrance.

Let’s review what we’ve discussed before. We should determine to be a selfless follower like a sheep that follows a shepherd. We, on our own, cannot survive in this world by our own strength or will and need to be following God if we expect to have any chance at being protected from evil. Especially as God’s disciples, we need to be submissive to Him and recognize Him as our Shepherd that guides our lives. Secondly, we need to be as shrewd, if not shrewder, than serpents. If we are unaware or unintelligent about what we need to do to live our lives for God and to do His kingdom work well, then we need to learn. We also need to be aware of our surroundings and interact with non-believers well so that we do not fall into the pitfalls that our enemies prepare nor do we find ourselves entrapped in sin. Thirdly, we need to be as innocent as doves. Being innocent is not only good to keep away accusations, but it also allows us to work unhindered and carry on God’s purpose for our lives to the fullest. As a disciple, this means having the greatest impact of teaching the good news of God’s kingdom and being an example of how to live for Him.

Meditate on this passage for yourself and ask God to help you as you seek to obey Yeshua’s words.

Matthew 10:16 Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB). www.lockman.org